We’re all going on a summer holiday…(All photographs courtesy of Chiaki Takahashi and Kevin Dodd)

Arrived at Tazawako station… now by bus to the pension!

Signed in, beds allocated, backpacks unpacked and it’s across the road and down to the lake…

One way to get accustomed to the water… by paddling a paddleboat!

Only just got here and look, a fish!

Time to go back; it’s sun set…

After supper there is music; normally That Sounds Good is a live lakeside jazz venue…

Musician friends from around the lake came to play…

A high school helper leads the way back…

July 30: Up early – 3am for some excited enthusiasts is reported! – Chiaki and explorers…

Hard to get them out of the water…

Team games build trust and cooperation…

Ball games in front of the pension…

Everyone loves drawing…

Time for English interaction with Kevin

Help with homework from Heather…

Craft workshop

Local wildflowers used for souvenirs…

Time for more workshops…

Appreciating nature…

To That Sounds Good… a gift of appreciation…

Sleeping…

Eating… (most food foraged and produced locally)

Chiaki, have you lost your sunglasses?

The last swim…

Until next year…

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.”

Michael Michalko is one of the most highly acclaimed creativity experts in the world and author of the best sellers Thinkertoys (A Handbook of Business Creativity), ThinkPak (A Brainstorming Card Deck),Cracking Creativity (The Secrets Of Creative Genius), and Creative Thinkering (Putting Your Imagination to Work).

SCHEDULE

DRAWING ON THE WRITER WITHIN

DOTWW is a revolutionary programme of creative writing - transformational work intended for anyone who wants to write, but thinks he or she can not, or does not know how to begin. It is equally for wordsmiths who are blocked and/or feel the need to authenticate their writing voice. Also those who want to explore their being and thinking on paper. Surprising, illuminating, fun, above all safe.

WRITING THE MIND ALIVEProprioceptive Writing (http://radix00.com/PWriting_Main/) - a form of meditational process writing that helps writers choose the right words and helps anyone seeking to sort out their reactions, beliefs and thinking on paper. You can practise at home and/or in the small group that usually meets on the first Saturday of every month Next date:: September 2, October 7, November 4, December 2, 2017 Where: Clunie Hall, midway between Dunkeld and Blairgowrie (www.cluniehall.co.uk/location)Time: 10am-middayCost: £15 for newcomers; thereafter £10

If you would like to work online, tell me what you want and need and I will work by skype or facetime to help you find the right words.